I never set out to work in financial services—my plan was to become a teacher. While finishing my final semester at Utica College of Syracuse University in 2007, I took a part-time filing job at a financial firm to earn some extra income. But what started as temporary work quickly turned into something I loved. I was drawn to the organization, the problem-solving, and the sense of purpose that came with helping clients. Instead of stepping into a classroom, I decided to stay and build a career that continues to challenge and inspire me nearly two decades later.
Since then, I’ve grown my expertise in operations and leadership, earning my FINRA Series 7 license in 2021 and my Series 66 license in 2024. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles, including on Osaic’s Service Excellence Council (formerly the National Operations Excellence Council) in 2022. In January 2025, I was selected to return to the council—a role I’m honored to hold as we continue working together to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and the overall client experience. After spending most of my career with one firm, I was drawn to Xavier and Erik’s client-centered approach to financial planning. After many great conversations, I knew it was the right fit and officially joined the Plan Wisely team in November 2024.
On a personal note:
Outside of work, my story centers on family and community. My husband, Andrew, and I live in West Winfield, NY, where we’re raising our three daughters. Between soccer and volleyball schedules, school events, and cheering for our favorite teams (the Buffalo Bills, Manchester City F.C., the USMNT, and UNC), there’s always something happening—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Giving back and staying active are big parts of who we are as a family. Each year, I take part in the American Heart Association’s Heart Run and Walk in Utica, honoring family members affected by heart disease and remembering my Uncle Frank. We also proudly support the Kelberman Center’s annual autism fundraising efforts and walk to celebrate my niece—and the unique, wonderful qualities autism has awarded her. Both causes are deeply personal to me and remind our family of the power of compassion, awareness, and community.
And if you know me, you know I’m rarely without a great pair of heels, a bold lip color, and a good laugh with family or friends. I believe life’s better when you bring a little style, warmth, and joy to everything you do—whether that’s at work, at home, or somewhere in between.
My Content
Article
Shark Week and the Stock Market: Don’t Believe the Hype
By Erik Garcia
Shark attacks make great stories. I don’t have a good shark attack story but I always seem to find myself at the beach the week of or the week after Discovery Channel’s Shark Week and…
Topics Investing
Article
Financial Emergencies – part 1: 3 reasons you should plan for a rainy day
By Erik Garcia
It was a September day in New Orleans when I got the call from my wife, “The AC is not cooling the house!” It had to be totally replaced and it cost thousands. Thankfully we had…
Topics Saving
Article
I owe my wife over $175,000 in annual salary…how much do you owe yours?
By Erik Garcia
My wife does a lot. Even though she stays home and doesn’t “work”, she probably works harder than me. Several years back I came across a tool that calculates just how hard she does work….
Topics Couples & Money, Women & Wealth
Article
Who Should you name Beneficiary on your Insurance and Retirement Accounts?
By Erik Garcia
As parents, we spend a lot of time picking the perfect names for our kids. Unfortunately, most parents do not spend nearly enough time picking the name for the “beneficiary” on their life insurance policies….
Topics Insurance Planning
Article
Money Stress?
By Erik Garcia
Almost every couple that I counsel reports some stress related to their financial health. Even for families with substantial income, there’s always the pressure of the cost of life and different spending priorities. Finances are…
Topics Couples & Money
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